The Pitlochry Pagoda

Location: Explorers Garden at Pitlochry Festival Theatre, Scotland

Client: Pitlochry Festival Theatre

Type: Public | Completed: 2003

Materials: Scottish Oak, with Cedar shingles and Elm benches

Features: Natural reminders, random-width panels, hand-carved wood details and S-shaped elm bench

Our client’s brief:

Exploring Scottish Plant Collecting Heritage:

Created in 2003, this landmark garden beside Pitlochry Festival Theatre honours over 120 Scottish plant collectors. Paul Hodgkiss Designs was invited to design and craft the Chinese Pagoda - a structure dedicated to George Forrest, renowned for introducing Far Eastern flora to Scotland.

Designed as a restful shelter with views over the hillside garden, the pagoda features a sail-like roof of Scottish elm ceiling panels, covered in cedar shingles. Four hand-carved oak trusses support the roof, each adorned with intricately carved elm dragons. Suspended resin panels, embedded with oriental leaves and interpretive text, enrich the story of the space. A sinuous S-shaped elm bench offers moments of quiet contemplation.

The entire structure was designed, built, and installed in just six weeks. Paul Hodgkiss Designs continues to maintain the pavilion - and its companion, the Douglas Pavilion - ensuring their craftsmanship matures gracefully over time.

The dragon represents good fortune and wisdom in Chinese Culture and was inspired by Forrest's major expeditions and discoveries in the Yunnan province.

Collaborators:

Nick Pye – Treeright

Richard Shorter – Architect

Guy Elder – Woodcarver